Last year, nearly 2,000 people attended the first-ever Discover the River Festival, scheduled again this year at Sweetwater Landing Marina.

With the location between North Fort Myers and Lehigh Acres, several local businesses are helping to host the event, which will feature bands, children’s activities and more.

The event is a community celebration set on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River at the marina. Patrons will enjoy a variety of live blues music and food and drink provided by area restaurants.

Greg Blurton is the board chairman for the East Lee County Business Council which hosts the festival. He’s also vice president and area manager for First Bank, a major sponsor.

“The event is the second annual Discover The River Festival. Last year was a very good event – we had a variety of blues music, food and other entertainment, along with a pretty extensive kids area,” he said. “There are also river boat rides and a variety of area businesses exhibiting. It really is a fun, community event.”

More than 30 area businesses will be exhibiting their wares with free samples, raffles and giveaways; and kids will have bounce houses, obstacle courses and rock walls.

“Actually we began this event with the purpose of bringing community residents out to visit with area businesses enjoy food and fun, and re-discover the beauty of this area,” said Blurton.

All this fun has a purpose, to benefit Hope Hospice’s Capital Campaign to build a new Hospice facility in Lehigh Acres.

“All the proceeds last year benefitted the Nations Association, a charity organization. We choose Hope Hospice this year, as the new facility they are raising funds to build will benefit this area. That facility will eventually serve North Fort Myers, east Lee County and Lehigh Acres.”

The bands include Certified Blues Band and Tommy Lee Cook & The All Stars.

“Cook sings blues very well,” said Blurton.

Cook also is the owner of Buckingham Blues Bar.

Major sponsors include First Bank, Bonita Bay Group, Priceless Realty, Fischer Marine, Riverland Nursery, and Brightway Insurance. North Fort Myers businesses that will be represented include Brightway Insurance, Riverdale Dental, T & C Wake, Rednecken’ BBQ, and Moonwalk & More.

The East Lee County Business Council is a non-profit organization of business owners, professionals and leaders whose mission is to advance the business and economic interests of the communities of eastern Lee County through promotion, collaboration and information.

For information, visit ELCBC.com.